What can you say about such a down to earth man who had an innate feeling about the basics of genuine Australian friendship and life. His inspiring respect, yet also an amazing ability to sort the wheat from the chaff, stood him apart from the crowd. To say it’s no wonder he was so successful, due to his instinctive ability to realise every person’s pursuits no matter how great or small, is indeed the truth!
Terry always had time for passionate people, no matter where their passion lay! His interest in everyone’s talents was heartfelt and he always had time for every person who was as modest and down to earth as he was.
He was a man of conviction. He was never self-centered nor wanted the focus to be on his initiatives. He always encouraged others to help fulfil his projects and then gave them all accolades. He followed his dreams with a reality that was uncomplicated and heartfelt. Perhaps the reason he was so successful was simply that he respected people. He respected people who respected him, and that’s what in the end makes the world go around, and Terry would agree!
Willinga Park is an equestrian venue that is recognised worldwide. A venue at Bawley Point that started as a private, small site and stables to enable Terry to enjoy his Australian Stock Horses and his riding (starting to ride at the age of 65!) After all, he had sailed around Australia and then cycled across Australia, so why not start riding as well. This became a passionate adventure to establish a world class facility that all equestrian athletes, Australia wide, could be excited by and enjoy. Excited and enjoy is an understatement. As with anything Terry does… if it’s a job worth doing, it’s a job well done, and in producing Willinga Park it was better than a job well done. It is architecturally world renowned and to any rider, coach or international judge that has been there, it is simply overflowing with accolades for this extraordinary facility.
Terry Snow at Juandah Plains Campdraft. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
As with Terry’s life, his attention to detail is obviously apparent. Leave no stone unturned. With Willinga Park the obvious fascination to detail is so evident. His wife Ginette was always encouraging, despite sometimes wondering why! Her artistic eye added the icing on the cake and her devotion and positivity behind the scenes has been exceptional. Terry was unstoppable in his plight to perfection and Ginette was always by his side with unwavering support.
Terry had an incredible commitment to family in an accepting and easy manner. They meant the world to him. Ginette was most adoring and dedicated person in his life; she was always encouraging and their relationship inspiring to say the least. They did not live in each other’s pockets yet encouraged one another to follow their inspirations and for the betterment of people. They respected and loved each other’s input.
Terry availed Jayden Brown an opportunity to go overseas to train with Carl Hester, heading into hopefully becoming an Australian Olympian with WillingaPark Quincy B – a horse that was purchased for Jayden to follow through all the levels, and that he did do!
Jayden and Quincy ultimately made the Australian team for the Paris Olympics. What an amazing feat and creditability. Terry decided he would love to have a dressage horse on the Olympic team and that is exactly what happened and not only that, but the top Australian score in the Grand Prix Special team medal decider at the Games.
Jayden Brown and WillingaPark Quincy B competing at the Paris Olympics. Image by FEI/Benjamin Clark.
Terry waited until the job was done and was able to tick that box that he started so many years ago. A final testament from Terry to finish, committed to the end, to avail Jayden and his team of horses the best chance of making an Olympic team. Terry’s belief in this outcome proved correct.Rest in peace Terry Snow. You were a champion. A gentleman. One of determination and logic. An influencer and an amazing mentor. You did more in your 80 years than all around you, yet with not a thought of oneself but for others who looked up to the doors you opened in their lives. Single-minded and self-assured. Modest and never afraid to take on that extra bit to make a difference. You never backed off when you believed in an idea. You demanded respect yet you were the softest soul ever. You were a fighter for what you wanted and always saw it through to completion. You treated all who helped and worked for you as family, and you stuck up for them through thick and thin.
You never rested and relaxed on your achievements in your entire life. You did not know what that was like as your mind pushed you forever forward to the next level. That was Terry Snow!
You will be so sadly missed with your quirky, wry smile of knowing. We will always see the legacy you have left.
Rest Terry.
What a LIFE!
